Review: Foot Petals Tip Toe Collection

 

 

 

At a past Brand Meets Blogger beauty event here in NYC, I learned about a brand that even celebs like Katy Perry are raving, about called Foot Petals .  Founded by Tina Aldatz, a certified pedorthis, the line is dedicated to providing comfort to your feet using various pads and insoles to alleviate stress and discomfort.

 

 

 

 Retail: $6.95

 

 

I treated my own tootsies to some TLC with some complimentary samples I received from the brand's "Tip Toes" collection.  The pads are very smooth and offer a gentle cushion.  They're also discreet and easy to insert.  They come with an adhesive on the back, which you peel back, discard, and then simply place them inside your shoe where it hits the ball of your foot.  

 

 

I chose to try them inside a pair of heels that were about 2" high, which I ended up wearing for a couple of hours.  Considering some of the time was spent tromping through the streets of Manhattan, I was quite thankful to have had these.  The Foot Petals acted as a nice buffer and alleviated some stress off the balls of my feet.  As you can see the soles of these shoes are particularly thin so I was able to really feel a difference.  (It is important to be careful with wearing shoes like these too often.  They can cause the balls of your feet to flatten and lead to further issues.)  The adhesive held in place firmly and didn't give me any issues sliding around.

 

 

 

 

Overall I found them to be quite effective for the few hours I wore them.  I can't say they totally eliminated any discomfort, but certainly gave my poor feet temporary relief and proved to sufficient enough for my day to day wear.  Since they're held in place by an adhesive, I won't be removing them to reuse in other shoes.  But no worries!  They're reasonably priced at $6.95 which makes it easy to invest in a few pairs. 

 

 

 

I was also given the specialty Tip Toes for Flip Flops which are great for summer because you can slip them into any sandal, or save them for those strappy stilettos you plan on wearing on Friday night for dinner and dancing! But these are just a few from the wide range of insoles Foot Petals carries in countless shapes and sizes.  Click here to see more!

 

 

 

Have you tried Foot Petals? Which style insole has proved most effective for you?

 

 

 

 

 

butter London's Colour Clash Collection for Fall

Just launched in June on butterLONDON.com, the Colour Clash Collection is a chic, surprising new collection of brights and whites that are perfectly on-trend to smoothly transition your look from summer to fall. The collection includes vibrant bright nail lacquers in Wellies, Pimms, Cake Hole, Silly Billy and Giddy Kipper that can add that pop of colour to play up any look. If you've jumped on the "must have white!" band wagon like I have, then you're in for a treat with this trendy white-nail with Cotton Buds, which can also be used underneath nail art to punch up any colour. 

 

butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador Katie Hughes notes that the Colour Clash Collection is “one of my favourite collections yet, Colour Clash is so fun and bold.”

There is no doubt that I am a butter LONDON fan, but I agree with the brands' ambassador Katie Hughes.  This collection is by far one of, if not my all time favorite.  I was so excited to see such an original and unexpected combination of colours for the season.  They compliment each other so beautifully, but still make daring statements when worn alone.  Each retail for $15.00 a piece and is undoubtedly collection of must have colours for fall! Check out my favorites below! 

 

 

Cake-Hole

 

 

 

Wellies

 

 

 

Cotton Buds

Have you experienced the Colour Clash Collection? Which colour can you not wait to get your hands on??

Fall Makeup Tips from Trish McEvoy

This week beauty guru Trish McEvoy celebrates her 1 year anniversary live on HSN!  Below are some of her expert tips for transitioning your summer makeup look into the perfect, fresh face for fall!  

EVEN SKIN Be it a fake or a slight tan, a deeper complexion disguises imperfections. As you transition to a lighter skin tone for Fall/Winter, evening out your complexion becomes even more important. Use a foundation or skin-perfector with treatment benefits to help skin recover from summer wear and tear, and with hydrating properties in preparation for the drier weather. [Beauty Balm]

FACE COLOR Blush is to fall what bronzer is to summer. As you transition into fall you want to lighten your bronzer and brighten your complexion with cheek color formulas that make you look lit from within—as if you've just taken a brisk walk. Apply a pop of pink to the high apples of cheeks and blend it slightly out to achieve your perfect fall face color. (Face Shapers, Brighten Up Duo)

DEFINITION Summer makeup is casual but as fall draws near style become more dressy and defined—from hair to makeup to clothes. Nothing instantly transforms a look like definition on the eyes, face and brows. Intensify your eye liner, sculpt your face with bronzer and highlight, and shape your brows. For lips this season the look is muted with definition achieved through highlighting around the mouth, a trick that makes lips look naturally fuller. Pat down lip color with your finger for a sexy, blurred, just-kissed finish. (Whole line-up)

BRIGHT EYES To look your energized best for fall, ensure eyes appear vibrant and rested with an even, bright upper eyelid and illuminated under-eye area achieved with my "Triangle of Light" inverted triangle technique under each eye. (Eye Base Essentials, Instant Eye Lift, Beauty Balm)

Tune in to HSN this Thursday and Friday (August 1st & 2nd) to catch Trish and some of her recommended products for fall, featured exclusively on HSN this week:

·         Precision Brow Shaper w/ Brightener Pencil

·         Easy Smokey Eye Collection

·         Brighten Up Duo

·         Prime and Brighten Lip Duo

·         The Power of Makeup Rose Planner Collection

Products available on HSN 

Do you have an expert makeup tip for fall?  What is your favorite fall makeup secret?

Review: GLO's Everyday Teeth Whitening Maintenance & Whitening Antioxidant Toothpaste

You're never fully dressed without a smile!  And courtesy of the complimentary GLO samples I received at the Brand Meets Bloggers event here in NYC, my smile has definitely improved.  For a month I have been using GLO's Everyday Teeth Whitening Maintenance and Whitening Antioxidant Toothpaste in Superberry and have seen really nice results. 

 

If you're not familiar with GLO Science , it was founded by renowned dentist and prosthodontist Dr. Jonathan B. Levine and its chief marketing officer, Stacey Levine.   On a quest to revolutionize the oral care and dental aesthetics industry, the pair have combined beauty with function.  With many success stories behind them, Glo products have been also featured on the Dr. Oz show.

 

 

Retail: $15.00

 

 Superberry uses a revolutionary, multifunctional combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and CoQ10 with natural whitening silicates for lasting results and a brighter, healthier smile. It features unique micro-capsules packed inside every application, that continuously releasing active ingredients to promote gum health as you brush.

It contains acai berry, blueberry, and pomegranate for natural flavoring, and fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.  It is also considered safe for sensitive teeth, and results are said to improve with longer, more frequent use. 

 

Its texture feels different then other toothpastes.  It doesn't produce much foam, and almost feels like a watered down version.  But the after feeling is amazing.  The red beads burst in your mouth as you start brushing, and you can feel the instant cooling feeling and freshness start to emanate.  Its taste while brushing is a pleasant mixture of fruit and mint (especially if you like pomegranate-- its presence is evident). It got my teeth feeling really clean and free of any build up, and my entire mouth felt refreshed.  My only comment would be that the red beads actually left red stains on the bristles of my tooth brush.  (Which I'm taking as a sign of their potency!) But overall, I liked this product and would recommend it, especially if you have sensitive teeth (like me) since I felt no pain while using it.

 

 Retail: $25.00

 

 GLO's Everyday Teeth Whitening Maintenance is packed with antioxidants and vitamins and designed to remove stains from coffee, tea, and red wine while whitening and brightening teeth, promoting healthy gums, and freshening breath. Its made for using after meals or while on the go and doesn't require any brushing or rinsing.
I loved using this gel.  My teeth don't have any real stains that allowed me to test it ability to actually remove them, but I can attest to its brightening and unmistakable glossy finish.  This is fabulous to have on hand for using after your morning coffee, or after that coke with lunch.  Its a clear gel texture with a minty scent and matching flavor, that also freshens your breath.  It has a twist bottom that dispenses the gel into a soft, rubber tip, that you gently rub along your teeth.  It is a quick fix for an instantly glossier smile, but continues working to produce long term results. I have very sensitive teeth and often feel pain when using whiteners, but this one caused me no discomfort whatsoever.

For me, using both of these have at the very least, maintained the whiteness I've achieved in the recent months while testing out other whiteners.  I particularly love the Everyday Maintenance gel because its super convenient and gets the job done. Definitely one of my latest gotta have items in my purse this summer!     

Note: both are made without parabens, sulfates petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and triclosan.

 

Have you tried any GLO products before?  If so, how were your results?

Review: Redken Diamond Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

 

 

 

 

I received complimentary samples from Redken's Diamond Oil Collection and have been pretty impressed thus far.  The entire collection includes the Diamond Oil shampoo, Diamond Oil conditioner, Diamond Oil Deep Facets hair mask, Diamond Oil Shatter Proof Shine and the Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense, but so far I have only tried the shampoo and conditioner.

 

The products aim to give hair that indestructible, cut glass type of strength with the remarkable shine and luster of a girl's best friend.  The Diamond Oil utilizes an exclusive formula of silicone free hair oils that include camelina oil, coriander oil, apricot oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and other to strengthen hair from the inside-out.  Through Redken’s exclusive Interlock Protein Network and multi-faceted Shine Strong Complex, Diamond Oil delivers a nourishing blend of coriander, camelina and apricot oils that target all layers of the hair to strengthen, replenish and protect with each use.

Redken Diamond Oil Shampoo

 

Retail: $17.99

 

I have very dry, coarse hair and so I have to be selective when trying shampoos, but this was kind to my locks.  The formula felt a little heavy at first, but after rinsing it out it proved light enough.  Its lather was decent and it did an adequate job of removing any dirt or product.  I didn't notice anything too phenomenal about it on its own, but when used in conjunction with the conditioner I was tickled with the results!   

 

 

 

Redken Diamond Oil Conditioner

 

 

 

Retail: $18.99

 

This conditioner blew me away. As previously stated, my hair is on the dry side but this conditioner totally changed that.  The texture is rich and creamy, and coats your hair to replenish and repair it. I felt the tangles slip right out after application, and my hair was easy to brush out later.  Since I shower at night, I let my hair dry naturally overnight.  With this, I wake up to super soft, easy to style locks.  What I liked most was that the results carried through the week- which means the product works.  I wash my hair every three days or so to keep from drying it out, and one application keeps my hair smooth and silky for days.  Since using these, I've also experienced less breakage and less hair loss.  I can definitely attest to its promise to strengthen hair and improve its manageability. 

 

 

 

Appropriately named, Redken's Diamond Oil Collection is full of must have sparkling gems and I can't wait to try more!  Still to come are my reviews on Diamond Oil Deep Facets hair mask, Diamond Oil Shatter Proof Shine and the Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense so stay tuned!

 Have you tried a product from the Diamond Oil Collection?  If so, which one and what did you think?

 

Boston Latin School Wins Global Green USA's 2nd Annual Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology

 

Building on green school expertise that spans more than a decade, Global Green USA and Pureology announced earlier this month that Boston Latin School is the winner of its second annual Green School Makeover Competition presented by Pureology and will receive a $75,000 grant to help the school reach its goals of creating a sustainable school garden, making improvements that will reduce energy usage throughout the school and reducing the amount of plastic water bottles on the campus. 

 

Boston Latin School was selected from over 450 entries from around the country, each of whom submitted a student-created proposal outlining green initiatives and achievements to date, while outlining what the student body would do if they won the competition. Global Green’s Green School Makeover competition was presented by Pureology.

 

“We’re humbled by the record number of submissions we received from schools this year,” said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Global Green USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the places, people and planet in need. “It’s inspiring to see how eco-conscious the kids are.”

 

A panel of judges reviewed and considered each of the entries received from a record number of K-12 public, private and charter schools across the country, then selected ten finalists.  The top schools from this group then received a site visit from Global Green USA staff. 

·    

“Global Green USA’s 2013 Green Makeover Competition has been one of our most publicized and successful green school initiatives to date,” noted Petersen.  “In 2011, we received over 200 entries and selected the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) in Austin, Texas.

 

Global Green USA launched its 2^nd Green School Makeover Competition, presented by Pureology, last January, offering a $75,000 cash prize, a $5,000 Office Depot gift card, and technical assistance from Global Green USA’s team of green schools/green building experts. The nine other finalist schools will also receive Office Depot cards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. For more information visit globalgreen.org and Global Green USA articles

 

To see updates on Boston Latin School's green makeover, Pureology's Facebook  page. 

 

 

PUREOLOGY SERIOUS COLOUR CARE®

A haircare brand with a sustainable vision and a commitment to environmental initiatives, Pureology formulas offer an industry first: Longer Lasting Hair Colour – Guaranteed!® For more information visit Pureology.com or like Pureology on Facebook. Please note, Pureology products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon. We request that you do not credit drugstores, “beauty websites” or other unauthorized retailers.

 

GLOBAL GREEN USA

Global Green USA is dedicated to helping the places, the people, and the planet in need through catalytic projects, transformative policy, and cutting-edge research. Global Green USA’s signature programs include greening affordable housing, schools, neighborhoods, and cities as well as rebuilding communities – such as New Orleans and areas of New York and New Jersey – who have suffered from the impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and environmental degradation. Global Green USA is the U.S. affiliate of Green Cross International, which was founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993 to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable a secure future. Visit us at www.globalgreen.org, like us on Facebook/global green and follow us on Twitter.

 

 

Princess Vera Wang Embroidered Shortie Shorts

 

Retail: $16.99

 

Hello dolls, I know I don't usually post on the weekends, but I had a little extra time and wanted to start raving about my latest buy from Kohl's: Princess Vera Wang Embroidered Shortie Shorts.  

 

 

 

 

I love these shorts so much!  I happened to be browsing the Juniors section and came across the new Princess Vera Wang Born to Rule Collection.  The racks were actually kind of bare as much of the merchandise looked like it was selling out, so I snagged a pair of these sexy shorts (actually on sale for $7.00!) and headed off to the dressing room.  

They're made of 100% rayon and nice for summer.  The material is super light an airy, not to mention soft and very comfortable to sleep in.  

 

 

 Their delicately embroidered edges add a touch of style and make for a stylish ensemble to lounge around in and wear around the house.  Just add a sleek black tank and voila! Instant cuteness. They do wrinkle easily, but ultimately they wear nicely.   

 

 

They also come in black with white embroidery, but I was partial to the warm beige on the olive green.  If you like stylish comfort, I would suggest picking up a pair, but hurry because they're going fast! 

 

 

 

Have you been to Kohl's lately?  Have you check out the new Princess Vera Wang collection??

 

Prada Unveils Luna Rossa 34th America's Cup Limited Edition Eau de Toilette

$82.00 3.4 oz

 

In celebration of the America’s Cup, the most coveted and elusive prize in sport and the apex of the sailing world, Prada unveils the Luna Rossa 34th America's Cup Limited Edition Eau de Toilette  exclusively at Macy’s.

 

The tireless schedule of racing in the demanding waters of San Francisco Bay began earlier this month with the Louis Vuitton Cup and continues through the summer until the final of the America’s Cup itself, scheduled in September. For these races, Prada’s Luna Rossa sailing team was challenged to construct and master an AC72, the 22-metre-long catamaran powered by a towering 40-metre-high wing sail, with a potential downwind speed of over 42 knots.

 

 

 

 

Prada Luna Rossa 34th America’s Cup Limited Edition is a collector bottle to honor the team’s participation in the world’s most legendary competition. Inspired by the Luna Rossa AC72’s cutting-edge graphic forms and materials, the dynamic bottle and outer packaging project strength and sophistication.

 

Watch as the Luna Rossa Team prepares for the big event!

 

 

Are you or someone you know familiar with the event? This could be a great gift idea for dads or friends, or boyfriends who love sailing! 

 

butter LONDON Limited Edition Backstage Basics Collection

 

 

 

 

  

Hello dolls! I wanted to share with you the latest on one of the beauty  industry's finest!  In celebration of Nordstrom's Anniversary sale, butter LONDON is celebrating with a hot new limited edition collection called Backstage Basics . 

 

Widely known from New York to London as the lacquer of choice during Fashion Week, butter LONDON nails are often the ultimate finishing detail that completes every look that hits the runway. butter LONDON has compiled a collection of their must have nail essentials, including everything you need to get your nails catwalk ready!

 

 

 

 

 

$44.00

 

• Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat
• Hardwear P.D. Quick Top Coat
• Powder Room Nail Lacquer Remover
• Nail Lacquer in Thames
• Nail Lacquer of your choosing

The collection retails for $44.00 and contains a $63.00 value.

 

 

 

 What is the latest butter LONDON product you've tried?  Are you going to check out a box of Backstage Basics?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: EOS Lip Balm and Everyday Hand Lotion

 

Retail: $2.99- $4.00

 

As a lip balm junkie, of course my collection includes several of the EOS Lip Balms .  This isn't my first experience with EOS lip balms and am always excited to try new flavors.  Lately I've been alternating between Lemon Drop and Pomegranate Raspberry (an originally limited edition  flavor brought back by popular demand for this holiday season!).  Both have light scents that carry true to their names and I can even detect subtle, sweet taste if I lick my lips.  A great thing about these balms is that they also contain UVA/UVB SPF 15, making them a must have for these summer months.  They use key ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to soothe, moisturize and keep your lips ultra soft and hydrated. 

This is one of my favorite balms because it stays on long after I apply it, and doesn't leave behind any residue.  I can see how some may find the packaging inconvenient for carrying them in their pocket, but I personally tend to carry items like this in my purse, so in my opinion it's super cute and unique. I also enjoy the fact that they're more sanitary since they allow for direct application to your lips, rather then those that require the use of your finger.  

 

 

EOS Everyday Hand Lotion

 

 

 

 

Retail: $3.99

 

I love hand lotions.  And EOS Everyday Hand Lotion is extra special because it is actually designed to use on other areas besides your hands. I haven't tried it anywhere but my hands, mainly because I've realized recently many women tend to neglect their hands and I've been making a conscious effort to remember them.  There's nothing more unattractive then a youthful looking face with wrinkly old hands. Blech! 

 

Always creative with their packaging,  comes in a pebble shaped squeeze tube, with a cap that snaps open and shut.  

I've come to really depend on this lotion because it works quickly and effectively.  It is 97% natural and made with aloe, oat extract, shea butter, vitamins E & C.  Combined they work to soothe, protect, and rejuvenate damaged skin. My hands have become very dry and rough these past few months, due to various tasks around work and my apartment, but after just a few applications there's been a noticeable difference. The tops of my hands were cracking, and the tips of my fingers were rough to the touch, but now they actually feel hydrated and softer.  I've watched the cracks disappear almost over night, and I love that it absorbs so quickly without leaving behind that greasy feeling.  The texture is so smooth and refreshing that it almost feels like you're running your hands under cool water when you apply it.  

EOS Evolution of Smooth products are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic and highly dependable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.  The price points are affordable and you can find them at Walmart, Walgreens and Rite Aide.

 

 

Have you tried EOS products before? Which is your favorite?  What do you think about the packaging?  

Review: Sultra The Seductress Curl, Wave & Straight One- Inch Iron

 

 

Never has there been a hotter iron then Sultra's The Seductress .   She cast her spell, it was game over for this girl!  This sleek black wand of magic zaps outta control locks into pin straight chic, curvy bombshell waves, and sexy tendrils of curls. The crazy thing about this iron was that there isn't anything not to like about it.  

 

It comes with 1 inch plates that worked very well to straighten my insanely thick, ringlet style curls.  It has three temperature settings to chose from, depending on your hair type.  There is "fine" (370 degrees) "normal" (385 degrees) and "thick" (395 degrees).  I placed it on "thick" (of course), and it beeped to signal its start up, and in less then 30 seconds it beeped again to let me know it was fired up and ready to go! 

 

 

This iron is really spectacular because it provides your hair with actual benefits.  It was designed for hair (like mine) that is dry, damaged and/or color treated and uses Japanese Kyocera ceramic technology to heal the cuticle while ironing.  Using it was an absolute breeze.  It was lightweight and easy to handle, particularly when curling because the body is coated with a special resilient high-gloss coating to prevent drag.  After using it my hair was super soft and shiny.  Another thing I liked was that it glided nicely over my hair without getting caught.  When I used to use my CHI, the edges of the plates would constantly get caught on strands of hair and end up ripping them out of my head.  Its outside edges are rounded (to help create the curls) and with them I was able to create a nice flip at my ends that looked natural and flowing.

 

The Seductress retails for about $210.00, which some may say is pricey, but if you iron your hair often and like to have styling options, this is a really worthy investment.  It also comes with a 2 year warranty (like all Sultra Irons) and can be relied on to perform what it advertises.  Its a quality iron that is great for all hair types. 

Sultra tutorials for creating curls and waves can be found  here and here

New from LUMENE Finland: Complete Rewind Collection

LUMENE Finland has recently launched its newest collection of Complete Rewind for ageless, rejuvenated Skin. The line offers a series of products containing special ingredient; Arctic Sea buckthorn.  It is full of plant sterols, fatty acids, vitamins A, E and carotenoids and works to restore skin's luminosity.  Proven to prevent oxidation damage from free radicals, it has been dubbed nature's own fountain of youth.  LUMENE brings it to its full potential in this amazing line of products.

 

 

 

Complete Rewind Intensive Recovery Beauty Oil

 

Retail: $29.99

 

This little bottle of liquid gold is a fabulous addition to your skincare routine.  Described as a "unique wrinkle smoothing formulation infused with nourishing Arctic Sea buckthorn, which is jam packed with fatty acids, vitamins and carotenoids which are strong antioxidants to prevent premature aging.  It promises to help visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, fine lines and acne marks.  I really love this oil because it absorbs pretty fast, boosted my skin's hydration, and left it with a moist, dewy glow.  It works well to revive and rejuvenate tired skin, leaving it healthier looking and fresh.

 

 

Complete Rewind Recovery Day Cream SPF 15

 

 

Retail: $29.99

This is a great source for sun protection this summer.  It contains SPF15, olive oil and shea butter to hydrate skin and leave it smooth, as well as provide wrinkles fighting benefits.  Being in my twenties it's difficult for me to test its effectiveness, but studies on it have showed that 95% of women saw a visible reduction in wrinkles in four short weeks.  It promises to protect against environmental stressors and help to deliver firmer, younger looking skin. 

 

 

Complete Rewind Recovery Night Cream

 

 

 

Retail: $29.99

 

This night cream combines LUMENE's powerful Artic Sea buckthorn and anit- glycation technology to create a way to maintain skin's natural firmness and facial contours.  I applied this as part of my nighttime routine and loved how soft my skin was in the morning.  It promises to help improve skin's circulation, is paraban free and uses vitamin E to help protect skin from day to day wear and tear.  It has a luxe, silky texture that feels so soothing against your skin.  I loved tucking my skin at night with its lush new blanket.   

 

 

Complete Rewind Visible Wrinkle Eraser

 

 

Retail: $29.99

 

Again, it is difficult for me to test wrinkle fighting serums like this one, but studies showed 90% of women experienced an immediate visible wrinkle smoothing effect after applying it.  It promises to fill wrinkles and effectively smooth away the appearance of fine lines.  My favorite part was the creamy, gel like texture that absorbed so nicely into my skin.  It had a very fresh, pleasant scent and a small amount went a long way.  I can't say I saw much difference other then my skin felt consistently smooth and hydrated.

 

 

Complete Rewind Recover Eye Cream

 

 

Retail: $24.99

 

LUMENE rounds out the collection with the answer to many women's prayers.  This eye cream combines Arctic sea buckthorn, anti- glycation and peptides helps visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles.  Blended with soothing almond oil, it aims to protect and soften the delicate under- eye area. 

 

 

 

LUMENE Finland Time Freeze Anti-Age CC Color Correcting Cream

 

 

Retail: $14.99

 

While it isn't part of the Complete Rewind collection, I was fortunate enough to also sample LUMENE 's Finland Time Freeze Anti-Age CC Color Correcting Cream.  I've tried many BB creams in my day, this was my first dip in the pool of CC creams.  I really did like wearing this cream.  It was very lightweight on my skin and the coverage was nice and even.  The formula contains a powerhouse blend of skin necessities like vitamin C moisturizers to help brighten and improve skin's elasticity, arctic lingonberry which contains omegas 6 and 3, and a rare form of vitamin E to protect skin from premature aging. 

My skin tends to sometimes have uneven coloring and my cheeks are often red.  The cream worked well to not only cover any flaws or blemishes, but was able to provide even coloring all over.  I applied a light layer of powder over it and it held it in place throughout the day.  It is an awesome combination of moisturizer, primer, foundation and concealer in one and is unbelievably inexpensive. 

 

Available at: CVS, ULTA and Dermstore.com

 

Have you tried LUMENE Finland?  Which product is your favorite?

Modella 2013 Collection

 Packing has never been my forte, nor is the annual cleaning and sorting of my countless piles of cosmetics.. but throw a few hot pink blossoms against some eye catching black and white zebra striped bags, and this girl's mood perks up!  Modella's 2013 collection of cosmetic bags introduces a series of super fun and flirty new designs.  PR was kind enough to send me a set to review and it is straight up adorable! 

I received the 4 piece set from Modella's Zebra Blossom collection, and I have already filled those babies to the brim!  This set is great for storing all of your cosmetics, but its also an ideal set for traveling. 

 

 

 

 

This is one of my favorites and I have already utilized it several times.  It is the perfect size to hold your toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and deodorant. 

 

This soft pouch is great for storing your eye and lip liners, or can be good for holding your keys, cell or a small bottle of sunscreen at the beach!

 

 

 

 

 

This piece is very trendy, not to mention spacious.  It is visually appealing so it looks cute while sitting on your vanity.  It can hold everything from eye shadows, to blushers and bronzers or (what I've used it for) an endless supply of lipsticks and lip glosses! 

 

 

 

  

Ultimately each piece fits snugly into a clear, larger bag.  Made easy to carry with two black handles, it retails for a very affordable $13.97. I liked this because you have the option to utilize the larger bag on its own, or use it to hold all the others together to keep them from being separated if packed in a suitcase. Available at Walmart and Walgreens, grab something from this collection, or check out the others: Pretty In paisley, Floral Diaries, and Spots & Dots lower Hour and Wild the Cat's Away.   

 

 

 

Do you have any Modella cosmetic storage cases?  What collection is your favorite? 

Review: Hayari Parfums Paris Floral Trilogie

 

 

 

I was beyond flattered when PR invited me to sample a series of fragrances by Hayari- Parfums Paris. This high end, prestigious line was founded by prominent fashion designer, Nabil Hayari in 2009.  As a designer, his artistic vision reflected his adoration for timeless grace and elegance with his usage of crystal beads, lace chiffon, and silk taffeta.  Elements like these embody grace and femininity, both of which transcend into his fragrances.  I was sent Goldy, Broderie, and Only For Her, each part of an impeccably crafted trilogy.  A set that was inspired by white flowers, and the glamorous Parisian values of the Hayari Couture House.  

 

$145.00

I couldn't help but reach Goldy first.  Its delicately crafted packaging recently won the Member's Choice Fragrance for Best Package Design Innovation of the Year and I was already drawn to its intriguing scent seeping from its package..  It contains base notes of sandalwood, musc, and cedar wood, blended with Narcissus orange blossom and white jasmine for a middle, and a top note of mugwort rosemary.  Described best as a woodsy-powdery scent, it is a perfect balance of the two.  It is a warm scent that would be appropriate for any evening, upscale occasions.  When worn, I felt as though it exuded sophistication and a sense of regal elegance. 

$145.00

Next, I spritzed on Only For Her and nearly saw the heavens part.  This scent is divine!  Designed to pay homage to the French Classic elegance, it opens with fruity notes like freesia grapefruit and white peony, drying down onto a velvet bed of patchouli, sandalwood and creamy vanilla.  Only For Her embodies everything I look for in a fragrance.  It is light and fresh, but definitive enough to get you noticed.   While wearing it, I felt as though I've never worn anything like it.  It is composed of a genius formula, which I now believe to be timeless.  It exudes a subtle but sultry allure that leaves you craving more.  It is a necessary staple for a well rounded fragrance collection. 

 

$145.00

Broderie is a beautiful fruity floral that is oh so chic and classic!  Used frequently in Hayari's collections, embroidery and lace set the stage for this delicate blend of mandarin peach, gardenia incense, sandalwood and amber notes.  This is a delightful summer scent that wears lightly, and is very flirty.  I wore this everyday and many evenings as it is appropriate for both, however, Broderie is not your typical fruity floral.  I loved wearing this scent because while it brings out a woman's confidence, it also possesses a unique twist that plays innocently to her heart.  I felt carefree and elegant all at the same time.

Have you tried this trilogie of fragrances?  If so, which one is your favorite?



Samples were provided complimentary by PR for review, but that in no way influences my reviews.